How to Grow Downy Serviceberry
The downy serviceberry, or Amelanchier arborea, not only adds beauty to the surroundings with its ever-changing color, the fruits produced early in the season are irresistible to birds as well. This deciduous plant will grow as a large multistemmed shrub or a small single-stemmed tree and is one of the tallest serviceberries around. Downy serviceberry is native to the United States and grows best in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 9 as an ornamental. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Plant the downy serviceberry in a location with partial shade or full sun and well-drained, moist, acidic soil. The downy serviceberry will grow in most soil types, however.
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Dig the planting hole two or three times the width of the tree’s container or root ball and equal the depth. Backfill the hole, and then soak the planting area with water to settle the tree in place.
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Add a layer 2 to 4 inches thick of mulch around the downy serviceberry tree. Pull the mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot, and spread the mulch under the entire area of the serviceberry's drip line.
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Water the downy serviceberry for the first one or two seasons until the tree is established. A slow, deep watering every week to 10 days is recommended from spring to fall. Once the tree is established, only water during extended dry periods.
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Prune the downy serviceberry during the dormant period, but only as needed to maintain the health of the plant, such as removing dead or sickly branches, when growing a multistemmed form. Otherwise, trim off any branches, shoots or suckers needed to maintain a single-stemmed tree form.
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Tips & Warnings
Don’t start fertilizing the downy serviceberry until the second or third season after planting.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
